Keppel Offshore & Marine’s subsidiary, Keppel Shipyard, will soon deliver what it says is the world’s first converted Floating Liquefaction (FLNG) vessel owned by Golar Hilli Corporation, a subsidiary of Golar LNG.
The vessel was named Hilli Episeyo at a ceremony in Keppel Shipyard on Sunday. Upon its completion, the FLNGV will be put in operation offshore Kribi, Cameroon for Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures and Perenco Cameroon, and will be the first FLNGV project in Africa.
Chris Ong , CEO of Keppel O&M said, “We are proud to be able to deliver the world’s first FLNGV conversion in partnership with Golar LNG within three years and with a commendable safety record. By combining our expertise from a variety of complex offshore conversion projects and our capabilities in executing LNG-related EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) projects, we are able to offer innovative and reliable floating liquefaction solutions to meet the growing midstream needs of the LNG industry.
“Compared to newbuilds, converted FLNGVs are significantly more cost-effective and faster to market, without compromising safety and processing capabilities. With the experience gained from this first FLNGV conversion project, we are in a unique position to provide customers with reliable end-to-end solutions for the EPC and commissioning of FLNGV as well as FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) conversions.”
Hilli Episeyo was converted from a 1975 built Moss LNG carrier with a storage capacity of 125,000 m3. Sponsons were added on both sides of the hull to house the topside equipment comprising of pre-treatment systems, four PRICO single mixed refrigerant liquefaction trains, boil-off gas compression and offloading equipment. The Hilli Episeyo is designed for a liquefaction capacity of about 2.4 million tonnes of LNG per annum.
Oscar Spieler , CEO of Golar LNG said, “Being at its final leg towards completion, Hilli Episeyo represents a game changer in the LNG industry with its fast track, low cost project execution. The development of this FLNGV positions us as forerunners in providing offshore liquefaction solutions to meet the growing demand for liquefied natural gas.”
According to Keppel, FLNGV solutions enable operators to overcome the geographic, technical and economic limitations of developing natural gas resources located in marginal fields while FSRUs help reach consumers in remote areas.